It’s been five years since LGBT roller skaters have had a place to enjoy their pastime. But last month, Billy Seablom changed that.
Seablom, who roller skates professionally in Pinellas Park, resurrected Tampa Gay Skate at the United Skates of America facility at 5121 N. Armenia Ave.
“Our first skate on Oct. 13 brought in about 65 people,” Seablom said. “It was a success so I’m bringing it back on Nov. 17. I think that there’s still a need for something like this in our community.”
Tampa Gay Skate will now be held every third Tuesday of the month at the LGBT-friendly rink. Seablom said he rents out the rink for the night, which is then paid for by an $8 entry fee. That fee includes roller skate rental.
“I’m trying to keep this event as gay as possible,” Seablom said. “Of course our allies and friends are welcome to attend. But if someone says an anti-gay statement or is confrontational to LGBTs, I have the authority to remove them because it’s a rented space.”
Seablom is not affiliated with the former gay skate group that operated in the rink five years ago. He did, however, attend an event or two and said it’s a great social outlet for area LGBTs.
The new Tampa Gay Skate is not only full of LGBT skaters, but the space is filled with music to which LGBTs can relate.
“When I talked to the DJ the first night he asked me if we wanted regular music or really gay music,” Seablom said. “I had to laugh. Of course we wanted gay music. So he played a lot of 1970s and 1980s gay disco hits along with some of today’s Top 40. It went over really well.”
Each month Seablom expects the rink to get a little more crowded and he’s taking suggestions from participants to make the night specific to the LGBT crowd. Staples, however, are also available—including couple skating, races and other roller-skate themed games.
“It’s about having a good time,” Seablom said. “We’re slowly incorporating new activities to keep it fresh and my goal is to have at least 100 people in the rink for the next event.”
The Tuesday, Nov. 17 Tampa Gay Skate is from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Seablom said he is currently setting up a web site for the event, but anyone interested in details can contact him via e-mail at TpaGaySkate@aol.com or through Facebook at TpaGaySkate.
